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The Christmas season is in full swing. This is the time of food, fun, and fellowship with family and friends. Aside from the traditional dinners that are held during this time of year, why not try something a little different and host a dinner party. This party can be as small and intimate, or as large and extravagant as you want it to be. With these simple tips, you can have a party that your friends will look forward to year after year, so be prepared. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help make your event a success.
How Should I Decorate?
This question is actually quite simple considering the fact that it is Christmas, there are a couple of ways you can use this time for your ambiance. You can always go with a red and green color scheme, the traditional colors of the season. If you would like your event to be a little more formal, you can incorporate more of the silver and gold tones in your décor. To have that warm, intimate feeling, candles are always a good idea when decorating. If you're on a tight budget they will make excellent centerpieces for your dining and can usually be bought at a really nice price. You can also use small boxes as little presents or even ornaments to add a little more depth to your table arrangement.
Should I Play Any Music?
Although this is going to be a party where you will probably be mingling and holding conversation with your guests, it would be a good idea to have music playing softly in the background. In doing this, it provides a little bit of noise as you converse with one another. With it being the holidays, there are a wide list of Christmas songs, and hymns that can be played to fit along with the season. Just keep in mind you don't want the music to be too loud causing a distraction. When it is time for dinner, conversation will usually be at its lowest. You may want to change from the Christmas songs to some light jazz. This will ensure no singing at the table, and provides a mellow mood so that the meal can be thoroughly enjoyed.
What Should We Eat - Cook or Cater?
The answer to this question depends on you. It depends on how much time you want to spend on preparing the meal, or if you want to prepare it at all. Again, depending on your budget, you actually can do both options to save money, and it will also save you time. You want to make sure you have hor d'oeuvres of some sort. They can be as simply as a cheese and crackers plate to bacon wrapped shrimp. Having these appetizers will help keep your guests stomachs occupied while the final preparations of the meal are completed. You can place them on little trays throughout your entertainment space and they can take them as they please while they visit with each other. During this time you could also begin serving any cocktails you wish to have. Depending on your crowd you can have a variety of wine or even incorporate a signature holiday drink for the evening. You can also include non-alcoholic beverages such as your traditional warmed apple cider or eggnog if that's you're thing.
For the main course of the evening, this is what is dependent on how much time you want to spend in the kitchen. If you would like to cook for your guests create a menu that is easy to prepare. If you decide to cater the affair, simplicity is still the key here. Try not to pick things that are extremely saucy. You wouldn't want to have the possibility of your guests becoming dirty while trying to enjoy your party. Also, try to stay away from the traditional holiday food (i.e. turkey, dressing, etc.). Pick foods that you know will be different and not something they will usually get at the parents or grandparents for the holidays. Since you are entertaining guests, remember that it is also all about your presentation of the food. Make sure you use real dishes and utensils. Leave the plastic in the cupboards for another day. Just make sure you have an excellent dishwasher whether it be the machine or your two hands.
For your desserts, this can also be a money saver. Go to a local bakery or even your grocery store and buy a variety of desserts and sit them throughout your entertainment space. Small cookies and brownies cut into little bites gives your guests the ability to try a little bit of everything. You may also decide to provide coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to go with your desserts.
Any Final Dinner Tips?
Yes, this is the most important one - HAVE FUN! Don't turn your dinner party into something you feel like you worked too hard to enjoy it. You want to be able to relax and have a good time just like the people you invited. Just makes sure you plan ahead and when that day comes you can work on the final touches, and when the doorbell finally rings you will be able to answer it with confidence knowing you are about to have the best time just like your friends.